I am so excited, I booked a party from my first gig (the luau theme party I posted about before Christmas). The only thing I'm nervous about is that it is at a skating rink. All I keep thinking is- how do you paint sweaty kids?? I am thinking of asking them if they want a design on their arm instead of their face if they are sweaty. Any other suggestions?

Just find a spot to set-up in agreement with person who booked you AND THE VENUE, try to make sure you are somewhere that won't attract the general public.

Ask the client to have someway for you to identify those in their group or you will end up with a long line of kids that don't belong. Could be a list of names that you cross off, name tags, bracelets, hand stamps, stickers...

I do not concern myself with timing - They book me for a time slot, say 2-4, so I paint from 2-4... the kids will chose which thing they want first - FP or Skating, etc.

At the ice arena the kids are NOT sweaty. The bigger issue is all the covering - coats, hats, mits... most of the time they will strip off, but on a lot you have to unzip the coat to keep it out of the way of your arm.

Thanks for all the great info Shannon. Wish I had some star blends whobwhate! Not sure I can get them and practice using them by monday though!

I called the roller skating rink today - they were great and totally fine with me coming. It is a private party so the only kids there will be bday party kids- that makes it easier. Also got my liability insurance today (wooo hooo!!). So excited I'm bouncing off the walls. Now off to practice what designs I will have!! Thanks everyone!

Thank you everyone for your encouragement and advice!! The skating party was Monday night and a great success! What a confidence builder! Only my second job, but painted 21 kids in 2 hours flat (for me that was fast) and it included time I had to use to clean up my entire set up after a girl accidentally knocked my water over (a line of kids in roller skates not such a great idea next to my wobbly card table). A new table is on my wish list!!

No one was sweaty - to my amazement!! I came prepared with paper towels, extra wipes, etc.

I took bits of advice from all over the forum and at the last minute decided NOT to bring any photos and just work from my head (NERVOUS!!!) but it was the BEST advice I have gotten (sorry I can't remember which thread it was on to reference who gave it). It encouraged me to be more creative and it was SOOOOO FUN!! What a confidence builder!! Not sure I will bring pics again!